Strong Hearts Cafe

September 21, 2015 - 4:18pm
Syracuse native Jarred Vryhof fills the need for healthy, cruelty-free food options, one block of cheese at a time.

Standing at nearly six feet tall with a brawny build and tattoos covering his biceps, Jarred Vryhof says people are always surprised to learn he is an animal-loving, plant-eating vegan. Driven by his experimental appetite, Vryhof started making non-dairy cheese last year when he and two friends were planning to open a vegan restaurant. Although Vryhof’s business partners eventually backed out, he followed his passion for cooking and improving the plant-based food options in Syracuse.

January 21, 2015 - 9:57pm
Commentary: The author shares her story of how she came to love a strange, but nutritiously-packed beverage.

Are you looking for a great way to boost your immunity and improve your digestion? If the answer is “yes,” I recommend you try Kombucha (COME – BUCH – CHA). I trained myself to love this odd, fermented fruit drink so I could reap its health benefits and I am confident you can too. It wasn't love at first gulp, but I am proud to be a Kombucha advocate.

November 25, 2013 - 5:05pm
As veganism becomes more prevalent on the Syracuse University campus, Strong Hearts Cafe and Café Kubal offer carefully crafted menu items without any animal products.

Interviews with students and local merchants indicate that a new nutritional trend — going vegan — is taking hold at Syracuse University. Featuring fresh and healthier foods without any kind of animal byproducts, veganism is now a behavior that many students embrace. As a result, several cafes close to campus are now including vegan items their menus.

November 11, 2013 - 10:17pm
Vegan café to open a second location where Syra-Juice once operated.

Strong Hearts Café, one of a few vegan-only eateries in Syracuse, has announced that it will be opening a second location – and a familiar one, too.

In coming weeks, "Strong Hearts On The Hill" will open for business at 720 University Ave.  a spot once home to the popular lunch spot, Syra-Juice.

October 1, 2012 - 10:10pm
Review: The local café provides an endless menu of soups, salads, milkshakes, pizza and more.

September 10, 2012 - 11:18am
Looking for a way to get your veggie fix? We've compiled a list of top picks for vegetarian restaurants in Syracuse.

With many students and residents looking to buy local and stay environmentally conscious, Syracuse has become a hub for vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Back in July 2010, animal rights organization PETA ranked it No. 5 on their list of veggie-friendly small cities in the United States.

February 4, 2010 - 7:44pm
The only all-vegan cafe in upstate New York offers an eclectic menu and a home for revolutionary spirits and activists.

At first glance, Strong Hearts Cafe looks like any other eatery, from the tables and chairs to the colorful chalkboard menu to the free wireless Internet. But Strong Hearts is the only 100 percent vegan restaurant in upstate New York, meaning the food has absolutely no animal products such as meat, eggs or dairy.